Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 28:58-68 concludes this section on blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. If God's people do not fear the glorious and awesome name of the LORD our God, the curses are summarized as physical afflictions, the loss of promised blessings (no longer numerous and no longer in the Land), ruin, destruction, exile, lack of rest, and a life of dread. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 58-68 What is the significance that this concluding section begins by referring to the "glorious and awesome name" of the LORD our God (v. 58)? In what ways might God use even ruin and destruction for good purposes (v. 63)? What are the most valuable lessons I have learned from this section on blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (chapters 27 & 28)?

  Deuteronomy 28:36-57 continue describing curses that will result from Israel's disobedience. The curses include exile and captivity, humiliation, plague, servitude to enemy nations, destruction, siege, starvation, extreme desperation, moral and social collapse, and utter hopelessness. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 36-44 Israel was freed from captivity in Egypt and witnessed the plagues, yet they still disobeyed the LORD and became captives again, experiencing the plagues of God's judgment themselves. When have I failed to remember to apply lessons God has already taught me through past experiences?  Verses 45-46 Signs and wonders demonstrate God's power so that all will know that He is LORD ( see Exodus 7:3-5 ).  How has God's discipline in my life helped turn my heart back to Him? Verses 47-57 What significant losses or consequences have resulted from my sins?  What have I learned from those ex...

  Deuteronomy 28:15-35 describe curses that will result from Israel's disobedience, in contrast to the blessings for obedience in the beginning verses of the chapter. The curses include confusion, frustration, destruction, death, disease, drought, defeat, madness, blindness, oppression, and loss. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 15-35 Even with the wonderful blessings promised for obedience and the terrible consequences for disobedience, why do God's people still fall into disobedience? And what can I learn from this? Which curses especially stand out to me as warnings against choosing disobedience to the LORD? And why?

  Deuteronomy 28:1-14 highlight God's promised blessings for Israel's obedience, including leadership, fruitfulness, provision, victory, and prosperity.  By obeying God's commands, they would be known as His people and serve as a witness to the surrounding nations. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-14 We obey God because we love Him. Which of the blessings in these verses also encourage me to choose obedience to the LORD my God? In what ways can my obedience to the LORD serve as a witness to those around me? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "If I Listen" (Deuteronomy 28): Link

  Deuteronomy 27:11-26 give instructions for Israel to proclaim blessings from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal after entering the Promised Land ( see Joshua 8:33-35 ).  Twelve curses for disobedience are listed, with the people to respond "Amen" in agreement. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 11-26 Thinking about the curses in these verses, what areas of my life do I need to be more careful about, such as things I might treat as idols, disrespecting others, crossing boundaries, taking advantage of people, sexual sins, or hurting someone? Galatians 3:10 quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 to show that we all fall under a curse for failing to keep the law, but Christ has redeemed us from that curse. In what ways do I still rely on my own works instead of trusting fully in Christ through faith? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let My Heart Say Amen" (D...

  Deuteronomy 27:1-10 begin the final section of the book. After having reviewed the Law in preparation for His people to enter the Promised Land, God calls them to renew the covenant by committing to obey the law, writing the law on stones at Mount Ebal, and offering burnt and peace offerings to the LORD on an altar of uncut stones.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 & 8 What are some benefits of writing the words of God's law on stone? [NOTE: Consider also that the words of God's law are written on our hearts (see Psalm 40:8; Jeremiah 31:33) ] Verses 5-7 Since burnt and peace offerings represent total commitment and joyful fellowship with the LORD, what can I offer Him today to express my commitment and joy? Verses 9-10 Why is obedience to the LORD essential for the people of God?